10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2...

As you get ready for the BIG count down this evening to the new year, please be safe and have a great time! Happy New Year! :)

Resolutions?

Do you make resolutions at the beginning of each year? Here are America's top 10 New Year's Resolutions;

1. Spend More Time with Family & Friends
2. Fit in Fitness
3. Tame the Bulge
4. Quit Smoking
5. Enjoy Life More
6. Quit Drinking
7. Get Out of Debt
8. Learn Something New
9. Help Others
10. Get Organized

What's your most important resolution for 2009?

National Whiner's Day?

I had no idea there was a day dedicated to this! Wow!

Maybe this day would be better used to appreciate what you do have and rejected the urge to whine. While you're at it, why not tell someone that you appreciate what you value about them?

I just had a scary thought. Do you think that it's possible that today is Whiner's Day because many people are returning and exchanging Christmas gifts today? Yikes!

Peace Be With You!

Today is World Peace Day! Have a neighbor that you don't get along? Why not extend them an olive branch today? See what kind of change you can bring about by taking the first step to have a more peaceful existence.

Be the change that you want to see in the world.
-Gandhi

Mark your calendars...for the next big Etsy Dallas Event!

gorgeous...had to share!

Happy Friday! These are so pretty, I had to share them. Click on the image to see them in sugarlily's etsy shop! :)

giving defined

give |giv|
verb ( past gave |gāv|; past part. given |ˈgivən|)
freely transfer the possession of (something) to (someone); hand over to : they gave her water to drink | the check given to the jeweler proved worthless | [ trans. ] he gave the papers back.

At this time of year there is a lot of giving happening -- giving is in the air. When I was a child, my mom told me that a good gift was one that you'd like to keep yourself. She was absolutely right! :)

Although the economy here is experiencing a transition, sometimes I fear that people forget to be grateful for all that they have and to help others. So here's a friendly reminder...count your blessings and pass some on to others!

eco friendly gift wrap

Click on the image to see this in its' Etsy shop. A beautiful and green way to wrap holiday packages from

tomatedepingles!

Guilt free gift wrap! :)

gift wrap - box

box 1 |bäks|
noun
1 a container with a flat base and sides, typically square or rectangular and having a lid : a cereal box | a hat box.

Check out this innovative gift box from vvnvvn on Etsy by clocking the image.

gift wrap - tags

gift wrap
noun
decorative paper for wrapping presents. Also called gift-wrapping.
verb ( gift-wrap) [ trans. ] [usu. as adj. ] ( gift-wrapped)
wrap (a present) in decorative paper.
• figurative hand over (something) as if a gift : his first on-screen role came gift-wrapped.

Check out these cute tags on Etsy at PaperPumpkin by clicking on the image. Happy Wrapping!

Teamwork Day

It's today! Today team leaders are encouraged to let their team members know what they are doing well and congratulate them for it! Be sure to take a minute today to do this. It's important to let others know when they are doing a good job! Cheers!

wale

wale |wāl|
noun
1 a ridge on a textured woven fabric such as corduroy.
2 Nautical a plank running along the side of a wooden ship, thicker than the usual planking, and strengthening and protecting the hull.
3 a horizontal band around a woven basket.
ORIGIN late Old English walu [stripe, weal.]

I love couduroy and this is the season for it. Here is a cutie I found on Etsy -- just click on the image for more information.

Holidays this month...

December is certainly one of the busiest of gift giving months of the year. Hanakkah begins on the 22nd, Christmas on the 25th, and both Kwanza & Boxing Day on the 26th. Be sure to have what you need on hand and if you don't yet -- there's still time. If you don't have what you need closer to the holidays-- there's always overnight shipping! Good Luck! :)

Gifting with Heifer International

Heifer International helps build communities and self-reliance in impovershied areas all over the world. This program allows anyone to give the gift of animals, insects and trees to help others receive livestock and training for food and income. Since the 1940s, over 8 million families have been helped.

800-422-0755

Pass on the gift. Many recipients, later donate -- passing on rabbits to others in nearbyvillages.

winter

winter |ˈwintər|
noun
the coldest season of the year, in the northern hemisphere from December to February and in the southern hemisphere from June to August : the tree has a good crop of berries in winter | [as adj. ] the winter months.
• Astronomy the period from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox.
• ( winters) poetic/literary years : he seemed a hundred winters old.

Well, even in Texas we are feeling some hints of winter.

Great idea

This year when you send out your holiday cards why not send an extra one to healing American soldiers? Many of them do not get hom to see their families for the holidays and a small effort on your part could help brighten their day. Here's the address if you'd like to participate;

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army MEdical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
WAshington, DC 20307-5001

New Shoes for Esmerelda...

I took my car, Esmerelda (she's green), to the shop to renew my inspection sticker. I was told I would be there less than an hour. I needed new wiper blades -- I seem to need those every year. Is this a scam cooked up by the inspectors and the wiper manufacturer?

AND I needed new tires! OUCH! Two hours and several hundred dollars later, I left the shop in my newly shoed, happy, inspected car that had just had a bath. She rode so much smoother than before -- the new tires and alignment really had made a difference and she was so twinkly and shiny in the sun. Ok, it sounded like a chunk of $$ for tires but it will affect the safety and gas mileage on my car and it was surely worth it.

Does your car have a name?

recycled paper lamp shade

This lampshade lives in my home and I made it out of repurposed magazines, unwanted mail and other bits of paper my friends have saved for me. I love the fact that it's one of a kind and it looks different from every angle. The paper is cut folded and woven together in studio space and then ovingly attached to a lamphade frame.

This year I have been really focused on repurposing things and recycling everything I can.I recently started posting some of my last recycled creations. There's lots to choose from including; ornaments, garland and other goodies.

13 days to go...

until the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash! Hope to se you there!

Smiles are free...

As I went through my day today, I noticed that no one seemed very happy or like they were enjoying what they were doing. I smiled at a woman and she didn't smile back. That was odd. I felt like I needed to wear a t-shirt that said "Smiling is Free".

To me smiling seems to be a way to say "I'm ok" and a smile in return is a way to say "me too". I know there have been some topsy turvy things going on in the world but smiles are free -- share one with someone today! :) Please?!

Flu season...

So many people at the office where I am working have had a nasty run in with the flu already. There has been a nasty respiratory strain going around that makes people sound like they will cough up a lung. As if that wasn't enough...there is another strain rampant around the area that is of the digestive tract variety. Why people come to work sick, I will never understand. Sharing the germs with others is not a desired office behavior.

I got my flu shot early this year and thankfully haven't had a personal experience with either strain. If you haven't received the shot yet, here is some great information on the Thimersol/Mercury free shots available. Also, there are tons of places where it is available. Most drug stores have a window of time when they administer the shots. Just do an internet search on your "zip code and flu shot" to find locations close to you. Also, you can check out FluShotsUSA for dates and locations in your area. For the needle-haters, FluMist is thankfully available -- no drama needed. The last thing any of us want is to be sick over the holidays.

To your health!

Maybe we all need one these days...

“A holiday gives one a chance to look backward and forward, to reset oneself by an inner compass.” -May Sarton

Shaw on holidays...

“A perpetual holiday is a good working definition of hell.” - George Bernard Shaw

Really? Do you agree? What are your thoughts?

Don't Forget to Vote Today!

For heaven sakes we are all busy bees this month but make sure you take the time to vote today! I wouldn't dare to tell you WHO to vote for -- just get out there and VOTE!!

Russell on holidays...

“If I were a medical man, I should prescribe a holiday to any patient who considered his work important.” - Bertrand Russell

Longfellow on holidays...

“The holiest of all holidays are those Kept by ourselves in silence and apart; The secret anniversaries of the heart.” -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead

The Mexican celebration of Dia de los Muertos is November 1st and 2nd. It is a time to remember family members and friends who has passed on. There are sugar skulls, patches, cards, and the list goes on and on. Read more about the celebration here.

Trick - R - Treat!

It's Halloween and the treat's for you! Check out iconfactory for free computer icons for mac and pc! :) Happy Haloween! Here are some of the fun Halloween ones I found! :)

A Cavity-free treat for Haloween!

Although sugar seems to dominate Halloween each year, here's something else to enjoy this year.

Slimey Stuff to Play With

1 cup of all purpose glue
3/4 cup of water
1 tbsp of tempera paint (what ever color you like -- I think mine will be green)
1/2 tsp of Borax (you can find this in the laundry aisle at the grocery)

1. With a wire whisk mix together the glue, 1/2 cup of the water, and paint ina glass bowl. Make sure to mix it thoroughly.
2. Mix the reminaing water with the borax in a separate bowl.
3. Slowly pour the Borax mix into the Glue mix.
4. Let it rest for a few minutes, then knead.
5. Drain off any remaining liquid.
6. Store in plastic bags.

Since it's messy and gross -- kids love it! This maybe one of those toys that's best enjoyed outside. :)

Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash

The first annual Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash is in less than a month. Woo Hoo! It will be at the Sons of Hermann Hall in Deep Ellum in Dallas, Texas on Saturday November 22 from 3-10p. Come by and check it out. Admission is FREE.

There will be the famous Make-n-Take craft table, karaoke, great music with DJ ModChap, great food from DowdyStudio, raffle prizes and FREE Goodie Bags to the first fifty people to arrive (people were beating the doors for the Goodie Bags at the BeerBQ). Then there are all the fun vendors that will be there with everything from jewelry & photography to art & holiday decor.

Hope to see you there! :)

Willie the Bee says Cheese...

Read more about Willie the Bee here.

autumn defined

autumn |ˈôtəm|

noun

the third season of the year, when crops and fruits are gathered and leaves fall, in the northern hemisphere from September to November and in the southern hemisphere from March to May : the countryside is ablaze with color in autumn | [as adj. ] autumn leaves | figurative he was in the autumn of his life.

• Astronomy the period from the autumnal equinox to the winter solstice.

ORIGIN late Middle English : from Old French autompne, or later directly from Latin autumnus.

BE sure to check out this lovely image on Etsy -- it is from the shop of Shes10.

Bee??

Ok, so it was pretty this morning and I opened the balcony door to get a little fresh air. I had breakfast and got cleaned up. While I was drying my hair, something buzzed in one of the lights in the bathroom and I thought a fly had snuck in (I know, I should have put up the screeen -- I wasn't thinking.). I turned off the dryer and realized that it was actually a BEE! I tried the power of suggestion thing -- thinking very loudly -- "bee get out"! It moved closer to the door and hung out there. So I turned on the bedroom light and turned off the bathroom light -- it seemed to be attracted to light. Alas, the bee liked the bathroom and landed and claimed a spot on the floor.

I trapped him under my water glass, I'll call him Willie. Willie the bee seemed happy under the glass and I finished drying my hair. I got a piece of recyled 100# card stock to slide under the glass and took him outside in his makeshift "cage". I was afraid if I didn't trap him that I would step on him or he would sting me and he just seemed like he wasn't ready to leave. I took him out to the balcony and removed the glass. He just sat there.I closed the door to discourage him from coming back in. I checked on him 2 more times before I left. The last time, I took my camera and took his pic -- haven't downloaded it yet so I hope it came out. He was still there when I left for work. I think I adopted a pet bee that I call Willie. What an odd way to start the day/week. IT is NOT Bee Season! What an odd adventure! (I feel like I was in Alice in Wonderland.)

Farmer's Market follow up!

So, the Coppell Farmer's Market was really fun. I got up before the sun that morning to get ready and covered myself with SPF. At the last outdoor event I got sunburnt and did not care to see a repeat performance. I had packed my car the night before and was excited to get to the event. I felt slightly foolish with my sunglasses on my head smelling of sunscreen when I backed out of the garage and it was DARK outside. I got to the set up and with in moments of finding my space, I heard a familiar voice shout my name. It was Tamara of TPDesign -- we were at the Etsy BeerBQ with spaces accross from each other -- she was there with Cherry of Cherry's Creations. What a nice surprise, I had NO IDEA that they would be there! I love running into other Etsians -- it just makes my day! Tamara is now my both buddy becuase we always end up accross from each other at events! (Hi Buddy!)

They both brought their sons and they had the best time entertaining each other! :) The quote of the day came from Cherry's son - "I don't accept hashbrowns". Tamara's angelic haired little boy approached the lemonade stand and appeared to be offering hashbrowns for lemonade -- it was hilarious! ;) There were many moments of hilarity including Tamara taunting me with curly fries! A good day was had by all.

There was a great bit of traffic at the event and the weather was lovely and a bit windy. I've posted some of my pics. I didin't take many since my battery was low and they aren't huge since I took them with my camera phone.

Land on creativity...

“An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail.” - Edwin Land

B-r-e-a-d

“Bread is the warmest, kindest of words. Write it always with a capital letter, like your own name.”- Unknown

Escher's wise words...

“He who wonders discovers that this in itself is wonder.” - Maurits Corneille Escher

Eleanor Roosevelt said...

“An economic policy which does not consider the well-being of all will not serve the purposes of peace and the growth of well-being among the people of all nations.”

On an unrelated note -- di dyou know that today is national cupcake day? Woo Hoo!

Bill Moyers on creativity...

“Creativity is piercing the mundane to find the marvelous.” - Bill Moyers

proverb and wishes...

Although my grandmother is no longer with us, I always think about her on her birthday which is today -- Happy Birthday Grandma!

And here's a lovely proverb for today! “Act with kindness but do not expect gratitude.”

P_E_A_C_E

“Looking for peace is like looking for a turtle with a moustache, you won't be able to find it. But when your heart is ready, peace will come looking for you.”
-Ajahn Chah

Capra on Creativity

This week I thought I would feature some favorite quotes on creativity...lemme know what you think.

“A hunch is creativity trying to tell you something.” - Frank Capra

more on creativity...

“Creativity often consists of merely turning up what is already there. Did you know that right and left shoes were thought up only a little more than a century ago?”
-Bernice Fitz-Gibbon

MIngus on Creativity...

“Making the simple complex is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity.” -Charles Mingus

Quote for the day...

"I'm not interested in age. People who tell me their age are silly. You're as old as you feel."
-Henri Frederic Amiel

Last Chance!

Ok, so it is one month and one day until the US presidential election. If you are a US citizen and are eligible to vote...this is the last day to register. Voting laws say that you must be a REGISTERED voter for a at least 30 days before you can vote in a given election. So get your registrations in the mail today, if you're not already registered, so you can vote on November 4th!!

Most libraries, post offices and other government buildings have voter's registration cards available.

P-E-A-R

I found this sweet watercolored pair of pears and had to share! Please click on the pears to see them in their Etsy shop. Happy Thursday! :)

I got tagged...

I got tagged by Cindy of CThings. Does this mean I'm "IT"? According to Cindy's tag, I'm to share seven things about me...here goes;

1. I'm a closeted Hello Kitty fan.
2. I LOVE nutella.
3. I like to keep my toenails painted.
4. I love clementines.
5. Chocolate makes me happy.
6. I think hedgehogs are cute.
7. Blogging is way more fun than I ever imagined.

Here are the seven people I tagged;
1. kalapohl
2. irenedesign
3. debra
4. earthyfinds
5. adventuresofminco
6. bridgetteb
7. gemsandjingles

Have fun! :)

Timeout for Legislature?

With all the financial woes being felt in our country at this time, I have to say I was really disappointed to see that Congress made no progress yesterday with the Rescue Bill. How could a Congress full of adults act this way? The stock market took a hit of 750 points yesterday! OUCH! As circumstances worsen, this is not the time for hemming and hawing, this is the time for concise and accurate decision making!

Is it possible that Congress needs a timeout? Or perhaps a virtual kick in the patootie? They are acting like children -- pointing the finger, making excuses and assigning blame. They need to come together and remember that before political affiliation we are all Americans!! The best for our country should be the focus right now in Congress - nothing else!!

Recent events will definantly affect how I vote at the polls on November 4th. Please make sure you are registered -- times running out to get registered in time!

OK, rant for today is over...thanks for reading!

Too late for bees?

So, I completed this brooch a little earlier this week and can't wait to get it posted in my etsy shop. It is totally Fall colors (the exotic wood and bakelite button) but I'm wondering if it is too late in the year for bees...what do you think?

Reminder...

Most states require you to be a registered voter for at least 30 days before you can vote in a national election. So please be sure that you are registered and ready to vote on November 4th. It'll be a tight race and EVERY vote counts!

Power is restored!

Thanks to everyone has been sending good thoughts to my parents in Houston, TX. Their electricity was restored today and they couldn't be happier. When I spoke to them they were talking excitedly about attacking the MOUNTAIN of laundry they accrued in eleven days and going to the grocery to replenish the EMPTY fridge.

I'm so glad they can finally get back to normal. Cheers! :)

New Cute Snack Discovery

I found these fun bunny graham crackers at the health food store recently. They are SO cute, I had to tell you about them. They are actually bunny shapes and REALLY tasty. The packaging is so cute -- it initially attracted me. There is even a funny bunny butt on the box tab that says "pull gently to open" -- how cute is that?

I realize these were probably created for kids...but as an adult who is still  a kid at heart, they made my day! :)

New Biz Cards...

So, I ordered some new business cards and finally got them -- I am really happy with the way they turned out! Check 'em out! :)

Today, Patience is a Pedicure.

My parents STILL do not have power in their house and have been camping out at my step dad's office. My mom told me last night that she had a lunchtime "pedicure for sanity" scheduled for today. I just got a text that it was the perfect escape and that she is feeling totally relaxed and prepared for another night on the inflat-A-bed in the office. 

Isn't it weird that we all need our creature comforts? Doing something nice for yourself or others is always nice. Doing something deluxe for you when you are under stress is excellent! So, give it some thought -- have you or someone close to you been under a lot of stress? Maybe it's time for the two of you to do something swanky together for some stress relief and relaxation?

What do you do to relieve stress?

Patience is a Virtue!

Well, I am still working on this virtue.

My parents still don't have power restored in their house in Houston, Texas. I know that there was a lot of damage done by IKE but this past Thursday their power was on for like an hour then off again and has yet to come back on. They have been camping out at my step dad's office in the evenings where there is power and air conditioning. They have each remarked to me separately that they feel like gypsies - sleeping one place, showering in another and eating in yet another. This has been going on for a week and three days -- I think they have been really patient and nothing has improved. I can tell from the way they sound they are each running out of patience with the situation.

Please send them your positive thoughts today -- they need them! Fingers and toes crossed for restored power in their area today! :)

TGIS!

Thank goodness it's Saturday! This past weeks was one of the longest on record for me. I'm glad it's over and it's the weekend! After being inthe wake of Ike and making sure my parents are ok -- the week wore me out. It's been rainy here and then sunny that's the perfect weather to get the errands done early and hunker down at home and craft (while the washer and dishwasher do much of my housework). :) That's the plan, Stan! What's on your agenda this weekend?

Peace Festival

This Sunday from 12:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. is the Peace Festival in the Bishop Arts District in Dallas, Texas. A bunch of Dallas Etsians will be there and it promises to be a fun event. Admission is free. If you have some free time - come check it out! :)

Introducing ... Penny Q. Punctual!

Ok, here she is making her internet debut! She is made of all recycled materials -- paper, cookie tin, vintage broken earring, and vintage buttons.
The only new part in the clock movement and hands.

Meet Penny, her recycled parts ensure that she has history and will fit into your environment quickly. Enjoy her display of recycled paper and found objects, her, giggling, her winking and her rhyming while she helps you keep track of time. Whether she’s having a good hair day or not she’s seeking a home with happy people.

She'll be in my Etsy shop very soon!

New project...in progress

So I have had the pieces for this clock in my studio area for a while but it was just missing something...today I found the right piece to finish the mouth. Yay! This is on the right track to getting finished -- I'm so excited. Her recycled paper hair has been attached and I was doodling on an extra piece of paper to figure out how I wanted her face to look. More soon when she's ready to make her debut. :)

She will be made from all recycled materials except for the clock movement and hands. I'm working on a name for her as well.

T-a-m-a-r-a TUESDAY

My friend Tamara's baby is due today. I am so excited for her -- I can barely stand it. This is baby number three and she's an awesome mom. So in her honor I searched her name. Here's the fun pair of earrings I found. Just click on the picture to be taken to the shop and the description.

I hope it's today Tamara!!

General Silliness for Monday!

Thanks to brightonearly for providing some words. Hope this makes you giggle...

Today we are going to study the lifestyle of huge and gross animals. The word dinosaur comes from the Greek words deinos meaning pillow and saurus, meaning tornado. No one has ever seen a handicapped dinosaur. We know about them because bananas called paleontologists found their motocycles preserved in rocks. Dinosaurs were almost evenly divided between carnivores, who only ate ghosts, and herbivores who only ate movie stars. At one time, they were over 964 different types of these purple beasts roasming the face of the ruler. They range in size from those as large as a Tyrannosaurus Britney Spears to those as small as needle. Today a dinosaur would be impossible to find as a tornado in a haystack.

Tee hee - Happy Monday!

Hurricane Ike and Other Adventures

My mom and step dad live in the Houston area and when they heard a hurricane was coming they weren't worried. They already had water on hand and went out and picked up fresh fruit and a few other essentials. Unfortunantly, power to the city is almost nonexistent. However, the police stations and hospitals have underground power lines which were not damaged. The overheard power grid took a real beating in the storm. My parents realized that the office where my step-dad runs his business had power. So they packed up the inflat-a-bed and a few essentials and spent the night there in the air conditioning. I am so grateful they had a comfortable place to stay -- they just made it a PJ party.

FLU?!!

It's that time again, we aren't even through hurricane season yet but it's time for flu shots. Since living in the dorm at college I have gotten a flu shot each year and it seems to help me avoid getting that vicious flu that goes around each year. I've been told that it takes 2-4 weeks for the human body to recognize and start producing antibodies to these nasty little germies -- once you have the shot you're good for 10 months. (I've also been told that if you take two aspirin an hour before you get the shot it reduces the possible soreness in your arm!)

So, if you are considering having a flu shot, clear it with your doctor first. The place I found them available is Kroger. Check out their site at the upper right for locations and times.

Here's to your health! Cheers!

unused cell phones?

I have been on a decluttering tear lately...so I thought I would share something I learned.

Have you and your family ended up with extra cell phones that you don't use anymore? There's a site that I just discovered that will buy your "extra phones". Check it out. The first page has a list of phone brands and you can select until you find your specific model. They actually pay more than I thought they might and it's better than having that unused phone collecting dust and taking up space in your house. Just a small space to declutter but every little bit helps.

A Day to Remember...

This is a day to remember those who perished. This beautiful picture is from the shop of naturemanipulated and captures the rememberance wall in New York's Battery Park. Please take a minute today to think of those we lost and those who are still here as well as what has changed.

Also, please take the opportunity to think about everything you're grateful for.

Bubble Tea Rocks!

So my friend Leigh Ann introduced me to this crazy treat a few years ago and I always enjoy introducing someone else to such a fun treat. I giggled myself silly that day -- it was all the new textures and swallowing a few WHOLE bubbles! To this day Raspberry is my fave flavor followed by a close second -- coconut. The bubbles require a rather thick straw for drinking...try it, it's just too much fun!

You can check out the Lollicup website for possible locations close to you. Also TeaMap is an excellent resource for finding tea houses in your area. In case bubble tea hasn't arrived in your area, check out this site for a recipe and links to order bubbles to make at home.

House warming gifty idea...

A friend recently called me to ask me what was appros as a house warming gift for a mutual friend. Quite a few of our friends have recently moved into new places or bought new houses. Here is a housewarming gift that's always a hit...

This takes inspiration from the movie, It's a Wonderful life. I usually get a pretty reusable bag (available on etsy) that suits the person/couple receiving the gift. Then fill it with a fresh loaf of bread, some sea/kosher large grain salt and a bottle of wine. I attach a little note referencing this from the movie--

• Bread - that this house may never know hunger
• Salt - that life may always have flavor
• Wine - that joy and prosperity may reign forever

Of course this can be customized to the recipients. It also makes a nice hostess gift around the holidays!

My Heroes!!

At the end of last week, I had a computer meltdown. I wrapped up the illing machine and took it directly to the Highland Park Apple store. The people at the genius bar were SO nice and helpful and patient! A big shout out to them! They fixed my machine and in short were - my heroes! You know who you are! You rock! ;) Thx!

Grand Parents Day

Since 1978, when then President Carter proclaimed today Grand Parents Day, we have celebrated. Many take the opportunity to send a card or small gift to their grandparents or to call them. If your grandparents are no longer with you -- you can always adopt another elderly person for the day. Or go out of your way to do something nice for the elderly in your area.

I will take time today to remember my grandparents and all that I learned from each of them. Later this month, I will be doing some volunteer work in a retirement community nearby.

Voter's Registration?

So we are hearing so much about the upcoming presidential election these days -- do you know if you're registered? If you are unsure of your registration status you still have time to check on it or get registered. In order to vote in the presidential election you have to have been registered as a voter for at least 30 days. There's still time...The libraries, post offices and other community locations have voter registration cards available. Just fill one out and drop it in the mail. It helps if you take it with you on election day when you vote.

To learn more about the Vote print, please click on the art. :)

Swim it forward...

I saw this cool post on the Etsy forums about everyone sending someone else a Swimmy! What a cool idea, I thought. I signed up and my Swimmy came to me from California from creativity63. THANK YOU! Take a look, he even has a teeny tiny heart. This absolutely made my day. My swimmy now lives perched above my table so I can look up at him and smile while I'm working/thinking.

I sent a Swimmy to the UK. Since he has further to travel...I will wait to post the picture I took before he shipped out to the UK. :) I want the Swimmy recipient to be surprised! :)

Edsel Envy?

The Edsel was introduced on this day in 1957. That was one groovy looking car! :) Those fins are rockin'!

Meet Owlbot

Introduce yourself, please. (name, location, shop site, blogsite, etc.)
Jennifer (Jen) Hoadley, Findlay, OH
www.owlbot.etsy.com
owlbot.blogspot.com

Is Etsy your primary “job”? If not, what else do you do?
I have a part time job outside of Etsy. I work as the Office Manager for my church.

What’s your favorite medium to work in and why?
Printmaking on my Gocco! It’s just so much fun!!!

If you could have a super power, which would it be? why?
I’ve used to always say that I’d choose invisibility, because I thought it would be so nice to just have days where no one could see me and I could just roam around unnoticed! But, lately, I’d say super speed, so I could get lots more done in a day!

What have you created that you are most proud of?
The owls I drew for my Etsy shop avatar/banner/logo! I’m actually not that skilled when it comes to drawing, so I was really impressed with how they turned out. And, the fact that others have positively commented on them makes it even better!

What’s your fave dinner and why?
Any Mexican food. I just love Mexican food. Always have. I think it has a lot to do with all of the awesome condiments – salsa, sour cream, guacamole…! Mmmmmm!

What kinds of things do you do to get the creative juices flowing?
I have a hard time forcing myself to create, so I just do it in spurts. I keep a drawing pad by my bed and sketch out some ideas there. If I still like them the next morning, I’m good to go!

If you could be an animal, what kind would you be and why?
A cat. I’ve always loved cats! Or an owl…I think owls are awesome, and they’re nocturnal, which would suit me just fine!

How did you get started creating things?
Oh, I’ve always created in little ways. I’ve always loved combining things that weren’t normally combined. Just for something to do. Or grabbing a pile of something and trying to make a finished product out of it.

In 5 years I'd like to be ...
Crafting and sell my crafts full time!

Tell us one thing that no one on Etsy knows about you.
That’s a tough one! I’ll go with that I love to sing and am obsessed with anything musical related! If I was a good actress, I would probably be spending my nights doing local theater instead of being on Etsy all the time!

What's one gadget that you can't live without?
My cell phone. Even thought I’m not a huge phone talker or texter, I still always have it with me!

Thanks Jennifer, I enjoyed your answers and exploring your shop! :) Be sure to check out Jennifer's shop for more fun stuff.

Reusable Bags

I LOVE reusable bags. When you get home with your shopping you don't have that wad of plastic bags that you have to decide what to do with. You don't have to worry about recycling them or feeling guilty to throw them away. Reusable bags usually hold more than plastic ones too. The links through out the post will take you to various etsy sellers who have great eco-bags.

Let's face it, it's not that big of an effort to use them. I have two reusable bags that I keep in my car's trunk. (Usually use these for groceries) And I have a smaller one (that fits in my purse) that I keep in the driver's side door that I use for smaller shopping trips. It's funny, when I first started using my reusable bags - I got weird looks from cashiers.

The only place that is completely "on board" with the idea is Whole Foods -- not to mention the ten cent bag refund you receive for each bag you bring with you. Seems like people are getting with the program these days though. The cashiers at Target don't give me the weird look anymore. You'd think stores would get on board -- the annual money they spend on bags can't be small. I've read recently that IKEA asks that you bring your own bag -- if you don't, their bags cost fifty cents a piece. So, although it isn't a standard practice to require customers to bring their own bags YET, I have a feeling it will be before too long.

The same way changing just one light bulb can make a difference, switching to reusable bags can also make a big impact.

Last time I was in the craft store, the cashier asked if I made my reusable bag -- sadly no -- it was a gift from a VERY green friend of mine and it's green in color -- one of my fave colors.

What do you do to live a more "green life"?

Student Show...

The show was a success...most of the artists were there for a reception.

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day! I hope you're spending the day doing something fun!

dairy free holiday treat (serves 8)

Like many other adults, I have had my bouts with Lactose Intolerace. I have experimented with this recipe for Flan/Creme Brulee/Custard to make it "milk-free". It's one of my holiday faves -- it's nice to have the oven on when it's cool outside and it makes the whole house smell nice!


For the Flan you'll need;
1 can (13.5 oz.) coconut milk (this is non-dairy but still lends a yummy creamy flavor)

2 cups of vanilla soy milk

2 whole large eggs

4 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp. of Mexican vanilla (this is a secret)

Pinch of salt

For the caramel sauce you'll need;

1/3 cup water

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. lemon juice

For the caramel;
In saucepan, combine the water, sugar and lemon juice over medium heat. Mix until the sugar dissolves. Swirl pan for even cooking. Stop cooking when liquid turns golden. Immediately pour the syrup into a 1 quart souffle dish, covering the bottom and sides.

For the flan;

1.	Preheat oven to 350F.
2.	In saucepan on medium, heat coconut milk and cream. In a separate pan boil 3 quarters of water.
3.	In a large bowl, gently whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla and salt. Whisk warm coconut milk and soy milk into egg mixture slowly. (If you do this too quickly, you will cook the eggs.) When the mixture is creamy, pour it through a fine strainer.
4.	Pour flan mixture into souffle dish over the caramel syrup. Fill roasting pan halfway up with hot (boiled) water. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to create a "bain-marie" (water bath) and place in oven. Remove the foila nd place the souffle dish in the roasting pan for about 1 hour or ramekins for 30 minutes. When knife inserted in center of flan comes out clean, it's done.
5.	Remove flan to cool. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
6.	To loosen flan from dish, slide knife around mold. Place serving dish on mold and invert. Shake gently if flan does not release.

Enjoy dairy-free! YUM!

Lemonade Recipe

I found yummy jumbo lemons, so I had to make the perfect lemonade. It's simple and yummy - not too sweet, not too tart. In the meantime, I found these adorable cards in the shop of stubborndog. They seem like the perfect little stationery item as we wrap up the summer and try to move into fall. Check out her shop, she has many more cutie things to check out.

Lemonade
1/2 cup of lemon juice
1/3 cup of sugar (to taste)
3 cups of cold water

Stir together lemon juice and sugar in a pitcher until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in water and chill. It's even prettier with a wedge of lemon on the edge of the glass or a sprig of mint on top.

Enjoy!

F-I-N-C-H

In a search for FINCH, here are some fun things I came across on etsy. This search is in honor of my friend who we call "Finch" which is her married name -- she moved away and we all miss her! To view items in their shops, please click on the image.